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Planning a move overseas for the first-time tenant can be a nerve-wracking, chaotic experience.
Having found a perfect dream home in Malaysia as a first-time tenant, you may have started organizing a moving checklist, boxing and labelling personal belongings in separate, neat categories, and enlisting professional movers. Here are some tips which can further ensure a smooth and easy process:
Pack Light – Deciding What to Take, What to Leave Behind
Pack as light as possible and avoid bringing anything you do not really need. Moving heavy belongings across borders is an expensive and time-consuming process, and a hassle, especially when undergoing customs inspections. Many rental properties in Malaysia now come equipped with complete furnishings and appliances, making for unnecessary relocation of personal items.
This is also an ideal time to get rid of clutter, and dispose of old items no longer required. Valuable, sentimental, and functional items could either be donated to charity or cleared in a garage sale. You will also be able to purchase the latest furnishings in your new neighbourhood, which is a cheaper option than transporting bulky possessions to Malaysia.
Get Acquainted with Malaysian Laws and Customs
Carry out due research on the visa or residency permits you need; depending on the purpose and length of your stay, you may have to apply for a work visa or a residence permit.
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs; be aware that once you step foot in Malaysia, the local laws will go into immediate effect. Finding out more about Malaysian culture, traditions, and norms is a good way to create new bonds with the local natives, and avoid unintentionally offending anyone.
Learning a few simple words, commonly used phrases in Malay or taking some basic language classes prior to your move will help you adapt quicker and settle in more comfortably.
Getting Ready for Your New Home
The moment you have arrived at your new home, do not forget to check that the household utilities - electricity, water, gas, telephone, Internet, cable, etc, have been activated and are ready for immediate use.
This is the ideal time to check out the shops, schools, and other facilities available in your neighbourhood, in order to get the essentials you require, ensure a smooth transition of your children’s education, and help you and your family fit in faster. A support group for expatriates will also boost your chances of meeting new people and acclimatizing to an unfamiliar environment.
Moving abroad is a big step for even the most seasoned traveller; whilst there is no way to guarantee a stress-free experience, taking the above pointers into consideration will help make your voyage an enjoyable and effortless process.
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